The only biography of its kind, this work narrates The Great Emancipator's untold legacy as The Great Builder of American infrastructure, developing an economic ladder to democracy through national transportation, public education, and market access. Lincoln's belief in the right to fulfill one's economic destiny was central to his governing philosophy, recognizing that strong federal support was essential for individuals to climb that ladder. Many of his enduring policies emerged before the Civil War, envisioning a nation connected by railroads, canals transforming small towns into bustling cities, and public works linking farmers to markets. John F. Wasik expertly examines the foundational ideas and policies on infrastructure that Lincoln championed, tracing his journey from a young Illinois state legislator advocating for internal improvements in the 1830s, to representing the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1840s, and fighting for the Transcontinental Railroad as president. To Lincoln, infrastructure was crucial for lifting citizens above poverty and overcoming isolation. This work revives the overlooked history of how Lincoln laid the groundwork for future infrastructure developments, including Eisenhower's interstate highways and FDR's social amenities. With an afterword reflecting on the failures of American infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, it highlights how Lincoln's policies can guide future endeavors, af
